Egyptian students’ disinterest in overseas academic mobility: A behavioural approach based on the capability-opportunity-motivation model

Abstract

This study uses the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour framework as a theoretical basis and PLS-SEM as an empirical research method to identify factors that influence the interest in studying abroad. We rely on primary micro-data collected through a self-administered questionnaire among Egyptian students and apply a structural equation model to estimate the different relationships. Our analysis yields interesting results: (i) 58% of our respondents are somehow interested in studying abroad; (ii) physical capability, physical opportunity and automatic motivation are the main predictors of interest in overseas academic mobility; (iii) a three-pillar policy programme based on guidelines, communication and marketing and regulation could be implemented to promote the interest of young Egyptians in studying abroad.